a big part of the AR15 design is such that if an out of battery incident - or other *kaboom* type situation - were to happen, much of the pressure is designed to vent through the magwell and away from the shooter's face. or out the ejection port - which again is away from the shooter for 95% of shooters - sorry lefty's (unless you're a lefty on a stag left handed upper). either way the gun is designed to move gas pressure and debris out and away from the shooters body in all but the worst catastrophic failure events.

with the magwell being skeletonized, as well as the upper, that gas and pressure and bits and peices of whatever is going to go everywhere - including out the side of the receiver thats immediately in front of and just to the side of the shooters face/arms/body.

thankfully, its not a common thing, but if i were one of those unlucky folks who does have it happen, i want as much metal there between me and that kaboom as possible to help keep as much of the unwanted bits going where its supposed to - away from my body.

a big part of the AR15 design is such that if an out of battery incident - or other *kaboom* type situation - were to happen, much of the pressure is designed to vent through the magwell and away from the shooter's face. or out the ejection port - which again is away from the shooter for 95% of shooters - sorry lefty's (unless you're a lefty on a stag left handed upper). either way the gun is designed to move gas pressure and debris out and away from the shooters body in all but the worst catastrophic failure events.

with the magwell being skeletonized, as well as the upper, that gas and pressure and bits and peices of whatever is going to go everywhere - including out the side of the receiver thats immediately in front of and just to the side of the shooters face/arms/body.

thankfully, its not a common thing, but if i were one of those unlucky folks who does have it happen, i want as much metal there between me and that kaboom as possible to help keep as much of the unwanted bits going where its supposed to - away from my body.

just my $0.02 USD.

+1

Also, nothing like a whole new set of opportunities for crud to get in.When will cool looking no longer trump simple, good design?

Hoot

In Theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In Practice, there is.